Mesmerized by glass? Tips to exploring Seattle's world-class glass art scene

“Glass is mesmerizing,” says artist and KUOW project manager Hilary Lee. “It’s just kind of all around us, but then in a contemporary art form, it's really fun, and you can do lots of things with it.”

Thankfully, Western Washington is a world-class region for glass arts — from glassblowing to kiln casting to neon.

Lee knows this better than most Seattleites. She spent 20 years as an arts administrator in the glass arts community, including eight years working for glassblower Dale Chihuly. She also co-founded the Refract Glass Festival, which happens in Seattle every fall.

We’ll dig into how and why the Seattle region became such an epicenter for contemporary glass arts and artists. And then Lee will send us off to some of her favorite places in the city to find fantastic glassworks, from huge sculptures to tiny ornaments.

Win a pair of free tickets to TARBOO! Music Festival July 3-6 in Quilcene! Email meetmehere@kuow.org with TICKETS in the subject line. Winners will be notified on or before July 1!

Some of Hilary Lee’s favorite places to find glass arts in Seattle

Refract Seattle: Lee co-founded this annual festival, which is happening Oct. 16–19.

Pike Place Market: There are shops and stands run by local glass artists all over the market, and Lee loves the iconic neon market sign against the backdrop of the mountains and Puget Sound. Also, she loves stopping for snacks while checking out the stalls — particularly Daily Dozen Donut Company.

Gallery Mack: Featuring a collection of work by local glass and mixed-media artists, including artist Paula Stokes’ belly bottles.

Seattle Glassblowing Studio: A collection of work from artists around the world, and you can watch glass blowers at work!

Chihuly Garden and Glass: Lee recommends going around sunset, so you can check out the 1000-piece work in the Glass House illuminated by the setting sun.

Other event recommendations from this week’s episode

Northwest African American Museum’s “A Movement For Joy” Juneteenth Celebration, June 19, Seattle

Capital City Pridefest, June 27–29, Olympia

Barbie The Movie At Seattle Symphony, June 27 & 28, Seattle